The Warriors survived without Steph Curry. Now he’s expected to return to the starting lineup for Tuesday’s contest against the Phoenix Suns.
ESPN’s Kendra Andrews reported Tuesday afternoon that Curry will be back, a day after the Warriors superstar was listed as probable, then questionable, as he returns from a left shoulder injury he suffered on Dec. 14.
The Warriors have gone 6-5 in their 11 games without Curry and will carry a 20-20 record into Tuesday night’s game. Considering that the Warriors were – and still are – a work in progress, the last four weeks have gone pretty well for the Dubs.
It appears Curry’s rehab is a bit ahead of schedule, as Warriors president/general manager Bob Myers told 95.7 The Game last week that the team was targeting a return for Friday’s road game at the San Antonio Spurs. Curry looked great in practice last week and went through his entire pregame warmup before Saturday’s contest against the Magic.
Curry is averaging 30 points, 6.8 assists, 6.6 rebounds and 5.0 3-pointers per game this season. His return likely means Jordan Poole – who has averaged 27.9 points per game in Steph’s absence – will go back to the bench.
Curry isn’t the only one who could be back Tuesday. After being a late scratch before Saturday’s loss to the Orlando Magic, Klay Thompson (left knee soreness) is listed as probable. Monday marked the one-year anniversary of Klay’s return following a 31-month absence due to ACL and Achilles injury recoveries.
Andre Iguodala (left hip) is also listed as probable, meaning the only remaining injured Warriors are Jonathan Kuminga (right foot sprain), JaMychal Green (leg infection) and James Wiseman (left ankle sprain).
On the other side, the Phoenix Suns will be without star shooting guard Devin Booker (left groin strain) and veteran point guard Chris Paul (right hip soreness), while center DeAndre Ayton is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain.
